SINCE launching his brand Garçons Infidèles in 2016, Adrien Albou has cultivated a following that is both eclectic and loyal. From models Gigi Hadid and Thylane Blondeau, to Hollywood royalty like Sharon Stone, to K-pop superstars like BTS and NCT 127, Albou’s acolytes return to his designs again and again for their daring sophistication and effortless finesse.
From artfully bleached jeans and tweed teddy jackets to button-down silk shirts with high-spirited printing, the trailblazing Parisian label combines a timeless sensibility with rebellious grungy energy that’ll keep your wardrobe sharp, whatever the occasion.
Here, Glass caught up with the young designer on his career so far, the recent drop of his latest attitude-heavy collection, Heartbreak Hotel, and why he believes the future of fashion is gender-free.
Adrien Albou
Walk me through the inception of your brand, why did you launch Garçons Infidèles?
I always had this very special style in my mind. It wasn’t rock ‘n’ roll in the beginning because, when I was young, I was much more interested in basketball. I loved the vibe of sportswear in the 90s.
When I was around 19 years old, I moved to London, where I ended up doing a lot of jobs. I interned for Marc Jacobs for a year, which was truly amazing. This was also around the time when I discovered new wave music. I was young and had never heard this kind of sound.
So, I started delving into new wave artists more and more and discovered new genres of rock ‘n’ roll. I got deep into this kind of inspiration. It was something entirely new and I loved it. I loved the silhouettes, the haircuts, the whole vibe.
At this time, I was also very tired because I couldn’t find the perfect blazer, or the perfect trousers, printed shirt, or brogues. So, after exploring my own style, I decided to launch my brand in 2016, focusing on the 60s and 70s-eras with colourful, genderless prints. A happy rock ‘n’ roll, if you will.
Garçons Infidèles Heartbreak Hotel
Garçons Infidèles Heartbreak Hotel
What was the design process behind your most recent AW21 collection, Heartbreak Hotel?
I started working on this collection when I was locked down in Paris. I always try to be optimistic but it was disheartening to sketch looks for it to just stay in the showroom.
So, for this collection, I imagined a crazy line-up of people in lockdown escaping to the wildest 70s party in the world. Everybody is shut in but they’re escaping because they’re fed up with staying at home.
I called it Heartbreak Hotel in reference to Elvis, of course. I’m so proud of the whole collection, from the bandana pants and hand-painted teddy jackets with incredible embroidery to the 70s-style jeans, boots and crazy paisley glitter shirts.
Garçons Infidèles Heartbreak Hotel
Garçons Infidèles has a very distinctive brand image that is heavily influenced by music — as a fashion designer but also as DJ, which artists best reflect your brand’s fashion identity?
The Rolling Stones. You’ll always find The Rolling Stones somewhere in my mood boards. Particularly Ronnie Wood. I used to love Ronnie’s style in the 60s. He wore the most amazing biker jackets. I love Mick Jagger’s style today, his embroidered suit jackets with such incredible colours and jacquards. It’s so my style.
What has been the biggest highlight of your career so far?
When Sharon Stone messaged me on Instagram saying that she loved my stuff. That was just incredible. She is a legend.
Your mother, Sophie Albou, is the founder of the French label Paul and Joe — how has your family influenced your approach to design?
When I was three or four years old, my mother started taking me to trade shows in Paris, London, Milan, Rome, LA, New York, you name it. So, I’ve been around clothes from a very young age. I was born with fabrics around me. So, to me it’s normal.
My family has blessed me with a love for this sort of environment and life. I thank them every day for it because it is my passion today.
Sharon Stone wearing Garçons Infidèles’ Car Shirt
Looking back on your past collections, is there one that is particularly memorable to you?
Paris La Nuit, for AW20. It’s my coolest collection. We shot the campaign in front of Le Palace in Paris which is my favourite place. We did the presentation there too and the vibe was totally Studio 54. Glitter, velvet, colour, spectacular!
Similar to your past collections, Heartbreak Hotel is exclusively unisex — how important is genderless clothing to you?
It’s the future. The world was made without gender. In the early days of my brand, I wasn’t thinking of whether my clothes were intended for a man or a woman. I just wanted people to share.
Why should we limit fashion in this way? A lot of designers used to do genderless clothing 15 or 20 years ago.
Just look at Margiela or Hedi Slimane. Gender-specific clothing is so outdated. We shouldn’t be constricted by gender. It’s a free world, we don’t have to be shy.
Garçons Infidèles Heartbreak Hotel
Garçons Infidèles Heartbreak Hotel
What has been the biggest challenge you’ve faced as a young designer?
Designers are challenged every day. Today, with social media, you’re not even sure about your own work because, if you want to drop something, two hours later it’s been leaked on Instagram.
I launched my brand alone. I get a lot of advice around me but you just have to try and be true to yourself, true to your desires, passions and creativity. Most of all just do what you love. Don’t get caught up listening to other people. Of course, open your eyes, but do what you want and what you love.
Garçons Infidèles Heartbreak Hotel
Is there an artist or band that you would love to design for?
I would love to design tour outfits for Aerosmith or The Rolling Stones.
And lastly, what ambitions do you have for the future?
I have a lot of ambitions, but I think my main goal is to continue doing what I love and for my brand to just grow and grow and grow. I will continue to push myself and be as open-minded and as curious as I can. That’s all you can do.
by Joshua Hendren